Slow Cooked Glazed Ham with Pineapple and a Savory Side of Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This slow cooked glazed ham with pineapple

• Ease of preparation: This slow cooked glazed ham with pineapple recipe is incredibly simple to make and requires minimal hands-on time. Just set it in your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax or attend to other tasks. The long, gentle cooking process delivers flavorful results with little effort.
• Health benefits: The addition of fresh pineapple provides natural enzymes like bromelain that aid digestion and contribute vitamin C, making this dish both tasty and nourishing. Using a pre-cooked ham also allows you to enjoy lean protein with less added fat, creating a balanced meal option.
• Versatility: This pineapple glazed ham can be easily tailored to various dietary preferences. Swap out the ham for plant-based alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version, or adapt the glaze ingredients for gluten-free and low-calorie diets without losing the signature sweet and savory balance.
• Distinctive flavor: Combining sweet pineapple chunks and juice with brown sugar, warm ground ginger, and a hint of chili flakes creates a unique glaze that caramelizes beautifully during slow cooking. This results in tender, flavorful ham that’s simultaneously sweet, spicy, and savory perfect for special occasions or family dinners.

Essential Ingredients for slow cooked glazed ham with pineapple

• 1 half spiral ham (4-5 pounds), pre-cooked (bone-in or boneless) – serves as the hearty protein centerpiece
• 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks with juice reserved – adds natural sweetness and tenderizes the meat
• 1 cup brown sugar, divided (¼ cup and ¾ cup) – caramelizes into a glossy, flavorful glaze
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger – imparts warm, aromatic spice
• A pinch of dried chili flakes (optional) – adds subtle heat to balance sweetness

Special Dietary Options:

• Vegan: Use seitan or plant-based ham alternatives paired with the pineapple glaze for a plant-based option.
• Gluten-free: Ensure all glaze ingredients, including mustard, brown sugar, and pineapple juice, are certified gluten-free.
• Low-calorie: Reduce brown sugar quantity or substitute with natural sweeteners like stevia, and use lean ham or alternatives.

How to Prepare the Perfect slow cooked glazed ham with pineapple: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prep the Ham

Remove the ham from packaging and score the surface in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to infuse deeply. Pat the ham dry with paper towels and place it comfortably into a slow cooker large enough to hold the meat.

Second Step: Make the Initial Glaze

In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice from the can, and half of the pineapple chunks. Pour the juice around the ham, then sprinkle the sugar evenly over the top. Add half the pineapple chunks atop and around the ham.

Third Step: Begin Slow Cooking

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for approximately 4.5 hours, or on high for about 2.5 hours. This warms the ham gently and allows the pineapple-sugar mixture to penetrate and tenderize the meat.

Fourth Step: Prepare the Spice Mixture

While the ham cooks, combine the remaining ¾ cup brown sugar, ground ginger, and optional dried chili flakes in a small bowl. This will create a flavorful topping to be applied later.

Fifth Step: Glaze the Ham

About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, gently sprinkle the spice mixture and remaining pineapple chunks evenly over the top of the ham, being careful not to disturb the cooking liquid. Cover and continue cooking to allow the glaze to set and caramelize.

Final Step: Rest and Serve

Once the cooking is complete, carefully remove the ham and pineapple chunks from the slow cooker. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes to retain its juices before slicing. Serve warm with the cooked pineapple garnish alongside your favorite sides.

Tip: For a beautiful caramelized finish, place the sliced ham under a broiler for 3-5 minutes before serving.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your slow cooked glazed ham with pineapple

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

• Replace ham with seitan, tempeh, or jackfruit for a vegan or vegetarian option, which soaks up the pineapple glaze nicely.
• Use turkey breast or chicken as leaner alternatives while maintaining similar texture and flavor profiles.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

• Swap pineapple chunks with grilled peaches or mango slices for a seasonal twist on sweetness.
• Replace honey in the glaze with maple syrup or agave nectar to create vegan-friendly sweetness.
• Add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra smoky or spicy layers in the glaze.
• Use gluten-free Dijon mustard and verify all glaze ingredients to maintain gluten-free status.

Mastering slow cooked glazed ham with pineapple: Advanced Tips and Variations

How to Store slow cooked glazed ham with pineapple: Best Practices

Refrigeration

Let the ham cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to preserve flavor and moisture.

Freezing

Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil and plastic wrap or vacuum-seal. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in an oven preheated to 275°F, covered with foil, to retain moisture and prevent drying. Use the reserved glaze as a sauce drizzle upon serving.

Meal prep considerations

Slice ham into meal-sized portions before storage for easy reheating. Reheat only the portion needed to avoid repeated warming that can degrade quality.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About slow cooked glazed ham with pineapple

slow cooked glazed ham with pineapple

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🍍 Immerse your taste buds in the perfect blend of sweet pineapple and savory ham for an unforgettable meal.
🍍 This hands-off recipe is ideal for effortless meal prep with outstanding flavors.

• Total Time: 3 to 5 hours
• Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

– 1 half spiral ham (4-5 pounds) serves as the hearty protein centerpiece

– 1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks with juice reserved adds natural sweetness and tenderizes the meat

– 1 cup brown sugar, divided (¼ cup and ¾ cup) caramelizes into a glossy, flavorful glaze

– 1 tablespoon ground ginger imparts warm, aromatic spice

– A pinch of dried chili flakes adds subtle heat to balance sweetness

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Instructions

First Step: Prep the Ham Remove the ham from packaging and score the surface in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to infuse deeply. Pat the ham dry with paper towels and place it comfortably into a slow cooker large enough to hold the meat.

Second Step: Make the Initial Glaze In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup brown sugar, reserved pineapple juice from the can, and half of the pineapple chunks. Pour the juice around the ham, then sprinkle the sugar evenly over the top. Add half the pineapple chunks atop and around the ham.

Third Step: Begin Slow Cooking Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for approximately 4.5 hours, or on high for about 2.5 hours. This warms the ham gently and allows the pineapple-sugar mixture to penetrate and tenderize the meat.

Fourth Step: Prepare the Spice Mixture While the ham cooks, combine the remaining ¾ cup brown sugar, ground ginger, and optional dried chili flakes in a small bowl. This will create a flavorful topping to be applied later.

Fifth Step: Glaze the Ham About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, gently sprinkle the spice mixture and remaining pineapple chunks evenly over the top of the ham, being careful not to disturb the cooking liquid. Cover and continue cooking to allow the glaze to set and caramelize.

Final Step: Rest and Serve Once the cooking is complete, carefully remove the ham and pineapple chunks from the slow cooker. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes to retain its juices before slicing. Serve warm with the cooked pineapple garnish alongside your favorite sides.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍖 Use a spiral or boneless ham that fits your slow cooker for even cooking.
🌿 For added flavor, consider using herbs like rosemary or thyme.
🧹 Using a slow cooker liner simplifies cleanup, especially with sticky glazes.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
• Rest Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2.5 to 4.5 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/12th of recipe
• Calories: 207
• Sugar: 24 grams
• Sodium: 712 milligrams
• Saturated Fat: 2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 26 grams
• Protein: 13 grams
• Cholesterol: 41 milligrams